Called to Peace

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

In the Old Testament, one of the sacrifices of God’s people was the peace offering. It was a special, voluntary offering brought to the sanctuary out of the overflow of the worshipper’s heart. The peace offering was a “gift” brought to the Lord by the worshipper.

The Old Testament word for peace offering (Shelamim) means “to complete or make whole.” In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus Himself is our peace. Jesus voluntarily offered Himself as a gift for us. Jesus, our peace offering, is the One who makes us whole.

Through His sacrifice and our relationship with Him, we can have peace with God - a whole (no longer broken) relationship that will last into eternity.** In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes, “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.” The Amplified bible puts it this way: “Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise].*** 

Peace should act as an umpire in our lives. Peace should decide and settle questions that arise. We are called to live in peace.

*Ephesians 2:24, **Romans 5:1, ***Colossians 3:15